Oklahoma City Court Sentences Man for Manslaughter
Billy Buford received a life sentence for the killing of 48-year-old Douglas Smitherman at a local car wash.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Accidents
An Oklahoma City court sentenced 60-year-old Billy Buford to life in prison following his blind plea to first-degree manslaughter. The charges stemmed from the killing of Douglas Smitherman at the An-Son car wash.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a legal process that began after authorities identified the homicide of the victim. The court mandated an unsuspended prison term of 16 years for Buford.
Billy Buford received a life sentence with 16 years unsuspended after entering a blind plea. The court proceedings followed the discovery of the victim's body by police.
The players
Billy Buford
The 60-year-old was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter.
Douglas Smitherman
The 48-year-old victim died from injuries consistent with homicide.
The details
Billy Buford killed Douglas Smitherman by striking him multiple times in the head with a 2x4 at the An-Son car wash. Police discovered Smitherman's body at N.W. 122nd and N. Pennsylvania Ave. in Oklahoma City.
Timeline
May 2, 2025: Police found the body of Douglas Smitherman.
Legal Context
The sentence follows standard Oklahoma first-degree manslaughter sentencing guidelines for violent crimes. Such rulings reflect the state's ongoing legal approach to processing homicide cases involving blunt force trauma.
The resolution of this case at the An-Son car wash site brings closure to an incident involving a violent crime in the area. Residents may note that the investigation and subsequent sentencing have now reached a final legal conclusion.
The takeaway
This case underscores the severe legal consequences of violent altercations occurring in public spaces. Authorities emphasize that such incidents often result in significant custodial sentences following a conviction.
Further reading
For more information on local legal proceedings, visit the Oklahoma City Accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOKH.
